Barger Motion Identifies Lancaster National Guard Armory and the former High Desert Multiple Ambulatory Care Center
On a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding for two new emergency winter shelters to serve the Antelope Valley.
“The shelter crisis in the Antelope Valley requires immediate action,” Barger said. “There is an ongoing collaborative effort to find long term solutions to regional homelessness beyond winter shelter in our Antelope Valley. I look forward to continuing to work with our cities, service providers, and members of the community to address this need.”
Utilizing both Measure H and Fifth District Homeless Initiative funding, Barger’s motion directs the County Chief Executive Office to work with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to open the Lancaster National Guard Armory with 125 shelter beds and the former High Desert Multiple Ambulatory Care Center with 100 shelter beds. The High Desert location will operate as a 24 hour enriched winter shelter, which will bridge individuals to housing and services. Both locations will be available from November 10, 2017 through March 10, 2018.
“Supervisor Kathryn Barger made sure the Antelope Valley homeless crisis was identified as an urgent matter, vowed her unwavering commitment, and has kept her word. For that, I am appreciative and support her efforts,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Today is a great day for our community, for the first time in a longtime; the coming together of bold leadership with a ‘no more status quo’ attitude has forged the first steps to address the homeless issue.”
Palmdale Mayor James C. Ledford said, “We appreciate and support Supervisor Barger’s declaration of a shelter crisis to clear the way and secure the necessary funding for two temporary shelters this winter in the Antelope Valley. Her compassionate efforts will not only be life-saving, but when partnered with other local social services resources, life-changing as well.”